puttig in 4-link

[chev58]

i've got my 4-link ready to wield in but no surer how to level it, do i put front tires on & back then set the air ride to height i'm going to ride at then wield rear brackets on with all link on to, this is my first 4-link i put in so i don't want to mess up thanks peter

[Tchia65]

I put the frame on jack stands and level it with shims front to back and side to side. Weld on the frame brackets. Then put the rearend on jack stands at what you want the ride height to be. Set up your four link bars and install them in the brackets and put the brackets on your rearend. Get a ratcheting cargo strap and cinch the rearend into the brackets. Verify the rearend is where you want it. Verify axle center line, axle centering, and pinion angle. This can take a while to get it right. Depending on who you ask on this board you'll get different answers on what correct pinion angle is. Personally I see what the drive train is and then match the pinion -1 degree. ie; if the drivetrain is 3 degrees down I set the rearend at 2 degrees up. Like I said there are many different opinions on the subject so do your research then make up your own mind.

[Kid]

Originally Posted by chev58

i've got my 4-link ready to wield in but no surer how to level it, do i put front tires on & back then set the air ride to height i'm going to ride at then wield rear brackets on with all link on to, this is my first 4-link i put in so i don't want to mess up thanks peter

simple answer is yes...1. your air bags should be installed at the "manufactures designed installation height" for the bag your using, which in turn should be setting your chassis at the height you are after. Then, 2.. you want the lower bars level at ride height (or as close as possible), this keeps your wheel base movement to a minimum, as the rear tires move up in suspension travel, the arc of the lower bar, created during suspension travel will pull the rear axel fwd, same fwd movement when the rear axel moves down (from level).

[bjcaldwe]

How do you go about figuring out bar length?

[Tchia65]

Originally Posted by bjcaldwe

How do you go about figuring out bar length?

Unless you making your own setup they are precut. You have some adjustment but the manufacturer will have their suggestions. Or are you talking about the panhard bar?

[bjcaldwe]

I am looking at using a tri-4 link from suicide doors and it asks for the bar length.

[Tchia65]

The longer the better. If you have the room I would try to mount the brackets close to the back of the cab and take your measurement from there. What is your goal for the truck?

[bjcaldwe]

I have a Jim Weimer cross member, tubular upper and lower arms and 2in drop spindles for the front. I will be running 15in steel wheels to start with and set pretty low when aired out.

[chev58]

i don't have my body on back, how much of a problem will this be in setting ride height, is there anything different i should do to set 4-link right peter

[Tchia65]

Originally Posted by bjcaldwe

I have a Jim Weimer cross member, tubular upper and lower arms and 2in drop spindles for the front. I will be running 15in steel wheels to start with and set pretty low when aired out.

Sounds like were going for the same thing. Check out my build on my 58 if you want. I'm running 30" bars.